Munster back on top in Celtic League

Munster hauled themselves back to the top of the Celtic League tonight wrestling a 10-8 win from Newport Gwent Dragons.

Munster started brightly, disorganising the Black's scrum to gift Mossie Lawlor attacking space. Gary Connolly played a role in an attack that ended with captain Anthony Foley crashing through to just left of the posts.

Lawlor easily added the conversion, but the Welshmen, perhaps mindful of recent poor form against Declan Kidney's charges, soon answered.

Just seven minutes later Rhys Thomas was unlucky not to be awarded a try of his own. In the seconds that followed, front row partner Andy Black scrambled under the approaching arms of Foley to score.

Craig Warlow's touchline failed conversion was to prove the difference between the two sides.

The reds went into cruise control for the second quarter, maintaining easy posession but failing to trouble the Dragons much, although notching up a 28th minute penalty from Lawlor.

Dragons lock Peter Sidoli was carded just before half-time for preventing a quick release, but Munster failed to turn the extra man to scoreboard meat.

The reds lost winger Ian Dowling to the bin in the second half for a deliberate knock on from a Welsh pass, but despite Warlow's 64th-minute penalty, the Dragons could not prevent Munster reclaiming prime spot.